From Library Director, Tristan Boswell
If you have done a craft at the library, participated in a Summer Reading program, watched a performer in the children's area, or attended an adult learning program in the last three years, it has been paid for by the Friends of the South Milwaukee Public Library.
The Friends of the South Milwaukee Public Library (SMPL) is a volunteer organization that raises $4,000 annually through two biannual book sales, fundraisers with Cousins Subs, bake sales, t-shirt sales, and other opportunities. SMPL would not be able to offer programs without our team of dedicated volunteers like those in the Friends of SMPL. Last year the library was able to offer 306 different programs with over 9,654 attendees.
In the last year, with more funding challenges, the way volunteers help with programming at the library has started to evolve. Volunteers have started coming to us with innovative ideas or offering to share their talents and skills.
Volunteer Jim Feeney has helped the library by creating interesting and dynamic displays for Black History Month and Native American Heritage Month. He got so much feedback on the Native American Heritage display that he donated the books he had on display to the library so community members could check them out. Beyond the displays, Jim partnered with Atwood Hwy BBQ to sponsor a Black History Month Blues event at the library. Participants were treated to live performances that educated on the history and different types of Blues.
Library Board member and volunteer Linda Marquardt is hosting an upcoming family-based Cake Decorating class offered by her business Mitzi's Cake Kitchen LLC. Participants will be able to learn the basics of cake decorating! Linda also donated a collection of over 80 cake pans to the library. So even if you can't make it to the cake decorating class, starting September 23rd you will be able to browse the pans and take them home to try for yourself.
The Friends of SMPL have also helped with events like South Milwaukee Downtown market family craft nights, poetry reading events, and more. Friends President Sue Hebner works with Friends of SMPL members to have volunteers for events and is helping with our grant writing process. Check out the library in April during National Poetry Month with Friends member Deb Monthei setting up an annual poetry reading and thoughtful display at the library.
We hope to offer patrons the ability to check out items with their smartphones at the library thanks to Clinton Verley. You may see him if we offer informational "how to" sessions in the future. Clinton has also helped out the library by helping us inventory items and helping with the outdoor landscaping by spreading mulch in front of the library.
We want to make sure we are saying thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers, not just the ones listed. The talents and interests in our community are so diverse and interesting and the library has been very lucky to have some of these talented people share their time, resources, and talents with us and the community. If you have any ideas or interests in what programs you would like to see at the library, please feel free to reach out.
